An EF-2 tornado moved from near Unity to Colby on May 15, 2025, damaging homes, businesses, and the Colby Chrysler Center. Staff at the dealership took shelter as the storm hit, with the building shaking and debris breaking through windows.
Employees gathered in an interior office while the tornado passed through. The storm damaged signage, vehicles, and parts of the building structure, though repairs later restored operations.
Some damaged vehicles were repaired and sold, including units purchased by local farmers.
Insurance covered repairs to the building, including roof and window damage, as well as losses tied to inventory on the lot. The event highlights how commercial policies respond to wind-related damage when coverage is structured correctly.
For homeowners, the situation looks different depending on policy details.
Flooding and earth movement usually require separate coverage, leaving gaps if policyholders assume broader protection.
Homeowners need to review deductibles, coverage limits, and how those limits adjust over time. Policies often include percentage-based structures or amendments that change coverage without much visibility to the policyholder.
Preparation before a loss matters. Bartelt advised documenting property and belongings using a smartphone, then storing that record outside the home, such as in cloud storage. This step helps support claims and speeds up recovery when damage occurs.
After a loss, homeowners should contact their agent quickly. In severe cases where homes become uninhabitable, insurers or agents may help arrange temporary housing or provide guidance on next steps.
Recent storms across Wisconsin show how quickly losses can escalate. An EF-3 tornado caused significant damage in areas such as Ringle, increasing claim volume across the region. Bartelt said the current season could become the largest in more than 20 years based on early activity.
According to Moody’s RMS, severe storms and tornadoes caused more than $45 bn in losses across the United States last year. Wisconsin ranked fourth nationally in 2025 for homes affected by large hail damage.
Data from the Wisconsin Policy Forum shows severe storms and flooding have been the most frequent drivers of disaster declarations in the state over the past 25 years.
The trend points to sustained exposure for homeowners and insurers, especially in regions with recurring storm activity.
Homeowners considering new policies should compare options carefully, ask detailed questions, and weigh deductibles against affordability. Lower premiums do not always mean better protection, especially when coverage gaps appear during claims.
